U.S. Space & Rocket Center and Boeing Partnership Creates New Hub for Future Astronauts

Last Friday, May 19, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center held the ribbon cutting ceremony for its newest stateof-the-art facility, the Space Camp Operations Center.

Sponsored by Boeing, the 40,600-square-foot facility will be the main hub of all Space Camp programs while also providing a new home for the U.S. Cyber Camp.

Dr. Kimberly Robinson, chief executive officer and executive director of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center thanked Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, who was in attendance, for “a $10 million state economic development grant that planted the sea which has grown, bloomed, and blossomed into the state of art facility that we are dedicating today.”

In her remarks, Governor Ivey commented on how the new facility is the latest example of what is possible through the state’s public-private partnerships.

“When innovation and discovery is being discussed, I always find myself back here in Rocket City and I couldn't be happier to return to cut the ribbon on this new facility,” she began. “Just look at this new Operation Soil, 40,600 square feet, an auditorium seating 1000, 10 classrooms and laboratories. This is what is possible when we actively look for ways to utilize and strengthen our public-private partnerships and when we prioritize innovation.”

“Space Camp provides a unique opportunity to learn about scientific disciplines in a hands-on interactive manner,” Governor Ivey continued. “And through this program, we are igniting our young people with a passion for discovery and filling their minds with great opportunities. Reach for the stars no longer remains a phrase of encouragement, but instead stands as a reality to the boundless opportunities of achievement that each space camp will

By: Noah Logan

know is obtainable to them and not far from that grass.

Space Camp has been a Huntsville institution for decades and has produced alumni who would go on to be a part of world history. More than 150 countries and territories have traveled right here to Huntsville, Alabama for a unique learning experience that cannot be found anywhere else on the planet.

Fourteen flown astronauts and two astronaut candidates who are in training are alumni. Space Camp has also produced countless engineers, technicians, entrepreneurs, and leaders who have used their talents that were cultivated here to point us toward the heavens. It's why, according to Dr. Robinson, everyone who attends Space Camp passes by words from Dr. Werner Von Braun that are as true today as they were 43 years ago when his vision first became a reality. They read “Through these doors into the world's future astronauts, scientists, and engineers.” w